Stock Up

This is the time to go to Bryant Park and stock up on beauty products. The Holiday Shops have the best in natural skincare, and an impressive variety of product to choose from. I've bought up some lotion from Nubian Heritage (their hand lotions are 3 for $25, a great deal), and soaps from splash! organics, but let's check out a couple other options in the shops:

Onurth Organic Skincare, all their products are synthetic-free and mixed by hand in small batches. Look for: the cold & expeller pressed oils, all nutrients are kept intact and no chemical residue is left behind; and the sumptuous bathrobes and socks.

Pri-El, product made from the pure salts & minerals of the Dead Sea, olive oil from the Galilee Mountains, and healing plants & blossoms from the Jordan Valley. Be sure to try their natural, hand-made soaps and the luxury bath products.

Sabon, the Israeli -based store popular with New Yorkers. Try their body scrubs and look for gift sets for men.

Onurth Organic Skincare, B08 on the venue guide (the fountain terrace of Bryant Park)
Pri-El USA, F18 on the venue guide (the upper terrace of Bryant Park)

Sabon, E01 on the venue guide (the upper terrace of BP)

The Aromatic Splash!

Best smelling booth in The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park? Splash! Organics has to be a big contender for #1. While at the shops with my sister today, she dragged me to Splash and raved about their aromatic soaps. Last year I'd given her a bar for Christmas, and she not only liked the soap on her skin, she also loved how it kept her whole bathroom smelling fresh. And compared to other handmade soaps, she claimed the Splash bar lasted the longest. So, little holiday gifts for her friends this year? Yes, great smelling, colorful soaps:












But Splash soaps don't just smell wonderful and look good, they are also handmade with certified organic and vegan ingredients. Don't forget that your skin is highly absorbent, so you don't want animal by-products in any of your skin care. And Splash! Organics also carries body scrubs, deodorant, and other products for all skin types (right). They even have soaps gentle enough for your infant or pet. So drop by Splash on the fountain terrace and stock up on some good smelling, good-for-your-body skincare for the year.

1 bar - $7 2 bars - $12 5 bars - $25 - great deal for long-lasting, high quality handmade soaps!

Splash! Organics, B23 on the venue guide (the fountain terrace in Bryant Park at 41st & 6th Avenue)

Follow Up

I recently bought splash!organics fig deodorant as I couldn't stand the idea of aluminum and parabens, etc, going under my arms. And after a very long day full of plane travel and parties in a warm climate and little sleep, I noticed how well the deodorant worked. I still smelled lightly of fig and had no underarm stains even though I was wearing a satin blouse. I'm now a convert. And while at splash! I couldn't resist a bar of sandalwood soap. My skin doesn't feel dry and after a night of cigar smoke overexposure, I rubbed a little in my hair while showering. Perfect, and my hair even felt soft the next morning.

Next up, hats. Here's what Barbara got at Volang:


She's in love with this hat and can't you see why? It's stylish (very cloche-like so very hip) but is also practical. The heavy knit is perfect in the city during cold, windy and/or snowy commuting. Those colors suit our office redhead and that big button is a great design addition.


splash!organics, A7 on the venue guide
Volang, B2

Splash It All Over

Go to splash!organics for all your soap and lotion needs. Their products are all organic and all vegan. Besides the whole organic, plant and no animal by-product thing, you'll want to visit for the aromatherapy. This place smells divine and it's no wonder as everything is fresh and looks good enough to eat. Prices for soaps (below) are from $7 - $25, the shea butters are $15 and the scrubs are $20. They’ll be opening their first NYC store on Bleeker Street in February, so hurry and buy at the holiday shops so you can tell everyone you found them first.

1 for $7, 2 for $12, 5 for $25

Splash! will also inspire you to cut all paraben ties. Educated consumers don't want animal by-products in their beauty products. And it's not just about the paraben: Plant products are more moisturizing and work better on your skin. So start a pro-plant holiday at splash!organics and enjoy all the benefits of organic skincare.

lip balm is $3, deodorant is $8

splash!organics, A7 on the venue guide